Georgia hires Pruitt away from Florida State as DC

Jeremy Pruitt this last season led a Florida State defense that ranked first in the nation, allowing 12.1 points per game.

Kirby Lee/Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After leading a defense that helped Florida State claim a national championship, Jeremy Pruitt is leaving Tallahassee.

Pruitt has been hired as Georgia’s defensive coordinator, replacing Todd Grantham, who Sunday left for the same position at Louisville.

"I’m ecstatic," said coach Georgia coach Mark Richt.

Pruitt, 39, will make $850,000 per year after drawing $500,000 at Florida State. That salary, which is exactly what Georgia was paying Grantham, puts Pruitt among the nation’s highest paid assistants based on 2012 total pay, trailing only Clemson’s Chad Morris ($1,309,650), Alabama’s Kirby Smart ($1,150,000), LSU’s John Chavis ($1,100,000) and Michigan’s Greg Mattison ($851,400).

"This is an outstanding professional and personal opportunity," said Pruitt. "I’m looking forward to meeting the current players and getting on the road to visit with recruits."

Pruitt spent just one season with the Seminoles, who ranked first nationally in points allowed (12.1) and against the pass (156.6 yards per game) and third in total defense (281.4).